Maya Ellison
Plastic waste is a significant problem, with only 5% of plastic that can be recycled actually being recycled. As such, it is important to find ways to repurpose plastic items, such as gallon plastic jugs. There are many ways to repurpose gallon plastic jugs, from creating disposable funnels to using them as storage containers. They can also be used as a cheap and effective weight for exercises, with a gallon of water equalling 8 pounds. This paragraph will explore some of the ways gallon plastic jugs can be repurposed and give an overview of the benefits of doing so.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic jugs as scoops | Cut the top off a gallon-size plastic jug and use the cap to create a scoop for handling potting soil, fertilizer, or pet food |
| Plastic jugs as funnels | Cut the top off a gallon-size plastic jug and use it as a funnel |
| Plastic jugs for storage | Cut out the front of a plastic jug to create a storage space for items such as nuts and bolts |
| Plastic jugs as paint cups | Cut out the front side of a plastic milk jug to create a shallow dish for paint, and use the handle to hold a wet paintbrush |
| Plastic jugs for exercise weights | Fill a plastic jug with water to create an affordable exercise weight |
| Plastic jugs as coolers | Fill small plastic jugs with water and place them in the freezer to use as coolers on road trips or picnics |
| Plastic jugs as bird feeders | Cut out bird-sized holes on two sides of a plastic jug, poke holes in the bottom for drainage, and string twine or metal wire through the top holes to hang |
| Plastic jugs as garden markers | Write the name of the plant on the jug so you know what's growing beneath without needing to check seed packets |
| Plastic jugs as wasp traps | Cut the upper third off the top of a plastic bottle, pour soda into the bottom, and invert the top of the bottle to create a wasp trap |
| Plastic jugs as pool weights | Fill plastic jugs with water or sand to use as weights for a winter pool cover |
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What You'll Learn
Make a scoop for potting soil, fertilizer, or pet food
You can repurpose a gallon plastic jug to make a scoop for potting soil, fertilizer, or pet food. Here's how:
First, thoroughly clean the plastic jug with running water, making sure to rinse the inside to remove any unwanted smells. Next, remove the label while the jug is still wet. If parts of the label are still stuck on, don't worry—it should be easier to remove once you've cut away parts of the jug. You can also try soaking the jug in hot water and baking soda to help remove the label. Once the jug is clean and dry, use a marker to draw a cut line along the top third of the jug, including the handle. Then, use a utility knife or sharp scissors to cut along the line. You can angle the cut so that the side opposite the handle is slightly longer, creating a scoop shape. Finally, trim or sand off any rough or sharp edges to ensure your scoop is safe to use.
You now have a scoop made from a gallon plastic jug! This scoop is perfect for potting soil, fertilizer, or pet food, and the no-scratch plastic makes it ideal for bailing water, too. You can also use it as a dustpan or a funnel by replacing the cap. If you want to make more than one scoop, you can raid your neighbour's recycling bin for plastic jugs or cut away the bottom of the jug to create a dustpan.
Making a scoop from a gallon plastic jug is a simple and effective way to upcycle plastic and reduce waste. It's a free project that only requires a few supplies, and it's a handy tool for various tasks around the home and garden.
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![[12 Pack] Half Gallon Jugs Bottles (64 oz) with Tamper Evident Caps – Great for Homemade Juices, Milk, Smoothies, Tea and Other Beverages - Food Grade BPA Free](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZXnD7bi5L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Create a storage nook by gluing jugs together
Plastic jugs can be used to create a convenient storage nook to store items such as odds and ends, toys, and other loose household items. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a storage nook by gluing gallon plastic jugs together:
Step 1: Prepare the Jugs
Start by gathering enough gallon-sized plastic jugs to create your desired storage nook size. Ensure the jugs are clean and dry before beginning the project.
Step 2: Cut the Jugs
Using a utility knife or scissors, cut out the front part of each jug, creating an opening large enough to fit the items you plan to store. Make sure to smooth out any rough edges left after cutting.
Step 3: Glue the Jugs Together
Arrange the jugs side by side, forming a row. Apply hot glue or a strong adhesive like Gorilla Glue to the sides of the jugs that will be attached to each other. Press and hold the glued sides together for a few seconds to ensure a good bond.
Step 4: Create a Second Level (Optional)
For a larger or taller storage nook, consider adding a second level. Glue both the sides and bottoms of the jugs on the second level to the jugs below to create a stable structure. You can also use rubber bands or clamps to hold the glued areas together while the adhesive dries.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Place your new storage nook in a closet, mudroom, or children's room. Decorate the outside of the jugs with paint or stickers to match your style or the room's theme. You can also add labels to the jugs to organise your stored items.
By following these steps, you can create a unique and functional storage space while also reducing waste by reusing plastic jugs.
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Use as a painter's cup
Plastic milk jugs can be repurposed into a handy painter's cup. This DIY cup is easy to make and use. Firstly, cut out the front side of the jug, opposite the handle, so that you have a shallow dish where you can pour in your paint. The DIY cup has the added benefit of allowing you to rest your paintbrush on the jug's opening while you work, keeping your workspace mess-free.
You can also transfer your paint to a gallon-sized plastic jug for easier, mess-free pouring for your future painting projects. This is a great way to eliminate the messy hassle of dealing with paint cans.
If you're looking to save leftover paint for touch-ups, try this handy trick: put some marbles in an empty plastic bottle and pour in the leftover paint. When it's time for a touch-up, simply shake the bottle, and the marbles will mix the paint for you.
For your next painting project, consider repurposing a gallon plastic jug into a painter's cup or using one for mess-free paint storage and pouring. Not only will you create a useful tool, but you'll also reduce waste by giving new life to an old jug.
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Make a bird feeder
A gallon plastic jug can be repurposed into a bird feeder. This is a great project to do with kids, although adult supervision is required for cutting and working with wires. First, wash the milk jug and make two holes on each side of the jug. You can start by making slits in the plastic with a knife and then use scissors to cut out nice circles. If you want to attract smaller birds, make the holes a bit smaller. Next, use a hole punch to make a small hole under each of the larger ones for the perch. Thread a chopstick or skewer through both holes and secure with hot glue.
Now, take a coat hanger and cut it as shown in the source instructions. Make two slits on opposite sides of the jug near the cap and insert the ends of the coat hanger, bending the edges so that it is secured inside the jug. Make a few more holes in the bottom of the jug for drainage. You can use a knife or a small drill bit for this.
Finally, decorate your bird feeder with stickers, permanent markers, or paint. If you are using paint, use outdoor acrylic paint and seal it with Outdoor ModPodge. Be sure to use non-toxic paint and glue, especially if children are involved in the project. Let everything dry in between stages. To create straight edges, use masking tape. Now, fill your bird feeder with birdseed and hang it from a tree branch using string or metal wire.
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Use as a weight
Plastic gallon jugs can be repurposed in many ways, one of which is to use them as weights. Here are some ways to do this:
Fill a plastic gallon jug with water to create an affordable and effective exercise weight. One gallon of water equals 8 pounds of weight, which can be used in your exercise routine to build muscle and burn fat.
Fill a plastic gallon jug with water or sand and place it on a tarp to prevent it from blowing away in the wind. This is especially useful for keeping a tarp in place when painting or protecting outdoor furniture from the elements.
If you have a swimming pool, you can use several plastic gallon jugs filled with water or sand as weights for the winter cover. This will help to keep the cover in place and protect your pool from the elements.
Create a fun, old-fashioned carnival game at home by using a long-neck plastic gallon jug. Fill the jug with sand or water to add weight and stability, preventing it from tipping over. Participants can then try to toss rings over the neck of the jug, with points awarded for successful attempts.
While this use requires some additional tools and equipment, a plastic gallon jug can be transformed into a DIY outdoor shower. By attaching a hose and showerhead to the bottom of the jug with a threaded fitting, you can create a simple and functional outdoor shower. The weight of the jug, when filled with water, will help to stabilize the showerhead and provide a steady flow of water.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut the jug in half, fill it with potting soil, plant a tomato seed, and watch your garden grow.
Cut out the front part of the jug, hot glue multiple jugs together, and create a storage nook for your items.
Use a plastic jug to store smaller quantities of pet food. The jug makes it easy to pour out food in measured quantities.
Cut off the top of a large plastic jug, keeping the handle intact. Fill the jug with grilling tools like forks, tongs, and sauce brushes.
